Kids are earning more pocket money than ever - but choosing to save it for IRL experiences over gaming

New data reveals outdoor chores pay the most, while holidays overtake gaming as children's top savings goal.

Teens counting savings at kitchen table

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Published: July 2, 2026 at 12:24 PM

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Britain's children are heading outdoors to earn their pocket money this summer, with jobs like mowing the lawn and washing the car proving far more rewarding than making the bed.

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New figures from NatWest Rooster Money's 10th annual Pocket Money Index suggest that outdoor chores are helping children boost their earnings, while their savings goals are changing too. Holidays and travel have now overtaken gaming as the top thing children are saving for, pointing to a growing appetite for real-world experiences.

The findings are based on the earning, spending and saving habits of more than half a million Rooster Card users aged six to 17 across the UK.

How much pocket money are children getting?

Children now receive an average of £9.74 a week in pocket money, up 6.7% from £9.13 last year. That works out at an average annual income of £506.48.

The research also found that around three in 10 children complete chores as a condition of receiving their pocket money, making everyday household jobs an important way to learn about earning and managing money.

As well as getting paid for chores, children are also getting one-off cash injections from generous benefactors like the Tooth Fairy and their grandparents. Average payments from the Tooth Fairy are up 14%, rising from £4.21 to £4.79 per tooth in the last year, while grandparents are giving 5% more than last year, averaging at £24.49.

The highest-paying chores for kids

Outdoor jobs continue to offer the biggest rewards, with mowing the lawn keeping its place as the UK's highest-paying chore for the third year in a row.

Dog walking payments have increased by 11% compared with last year, while payments for scooping up after dogs have risen by 9%.

By comparison, making the bed, one of the most common indoor chores, earns an average of just 28p.

Children are saving for holidays instead of gaming

The research found a notable shift in children's financial goals.

After previously topping the list, gaming has dropped to third place, with holidays and travel now the number one savings goal. Saving for the future came in second.

The findings suggest many children are becoming more interested in experiences away from screens.

Why earning pocket money matters

Singer, presenter and dad Aston Merrygold and his eight-year-old son Grayson have teamed up with NatWest Rooster Money to launch their latest findings and spark conversation around the UK's pocket money habits.

Growing up, I had to earn my pocket money, whether that was washing the car or helping out in the garden. Those early lessons really stick with you.

Aston Merrygold

"Now as a dad, I want to give my kids that same grounding, understanding the value of money and what it means to work for it," he said.

"Getting Grayson involved in chores and seeing him take pride in earning and saving is really important to me. It's about setting them up with the right habits for later in life. Working with NatWest Rooster Money and we hope it inspires other families to find simple, everyday ways to learn about money, especially by spending time together outdoors."

Will Carmichael, CEO and founder of NatWest Rooster Money, said: "At a time when many families are concerned about navigating screen time, encouraging children to step away from devices and earn pocket money through real-world responsibilities could play a key role in building independence and essential life skills. Studies suggest that children who regularly complete chores go on to develop higher confidence, stronger relationships and better performance at school."

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He added: "Over ten years of the Pocket Money Index, we've seen how those early experiences of earning play an important role in shaping how children start making their own money choices, which is exactly what NatWest Rooster Money is designed to do."

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